
Mead, a delectable beverage made from fermented honey and water, was dubbed "nectar of the gods" by the ancient Greeks. Fortunately, you can partake in this heavenly drink right here in Ohio. Head to these wonderful meaderies conveniently located near Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
2135 Columbus Rd., Suite C, Cleveland, OH 44113
At Western Reserve Meadery, they believe the concepts of fine materials and authentic craft apply to the drinking environment as well as the product. Sample their delicious meads in the elegantly casual ambiance created by historic brick and handmade hardwood furnishings. Be sure to try the new releases such as Bee Baller, which gets its zip from Carolina Reaper peppers, and full-bodied Blueberry Blossom Fig. Western Reserve Meadery is open 5 - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon - 9 p.m. Saturday.
26 E. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43201
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Yes, there really are brothers named Drake. Eric and Woody turned their long-standing hobby into the Brothers Drake Meadery, located in the fashionable Short North Arts District of Columbus. In addition to traditional mead, you'll often find experimental flavors such as Blue Lemonade and PB&J. Stop in on Wednesday for live music on Jazz Night. Hours are 5 - 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 - 11 p.m. Friday, 2 - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 2 - 8 p.m. Sunday.
916 Columbus Ave., Lebanon, OH 45036
Don't let the name fool you. Family-owned and operated Dysfunctional Delights Meadery is a harmonious labor of love. Brad and Jamey Ryles left the 9-to-5 world to pursue Brad's vision of bringing mead to the Cincinnati area. With games for the kids and drinks for the grown-ups, the Ryles family wants to make your family feel welcome. Customers love the fruit-flavored meads such as cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry rhubarb. Hours are 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 - 10 p.m. Friday, and 2 - 10 p.m. Saturday.
13368 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
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The open floor plan, stone arches, and picnic table-style seating at BottleHouse Brewery & Mead Hall create the warm and welcoming atmosphere of an old-school community gathering spot. There are couches for couples or smaller groups, and a number of plants provide a welcome touch of greenery. Food is also special at BottleHouse, where Eugene Kitchen is serving up Michael Shoen's legendary Tinman Burgers. Mead hall hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, 2 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, and 2 - 10 p.m. Sunday.
738 W. National Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377
So you want mead but your friend or significant other prefers beer? Cover all the bases at Blackbird Meadery. Opened in 2020, Blackbird Meadery shares space with Hairless Hare Brewery, which offers a wide selection of craft beer to meet any taste. Whatever you're drinking, it will pair well with the pizzas, chicken wings, and bar snacks on the food menu. Check out the Chef's Menu for special dishes such as pulled pork mac 'n' cheese or beef vino marinara bowl. Hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 2 - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
1189 State Route 43, Mogadore, OH 44260
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At Crafted Artisan Meadery, brewing is truly regarded as an art form. Their goal is to bring traditional mead into the 21st century with some modern updates, making it accessible to everyone. When founder Kent Waldeck moved back to his home state of Ohio from North Carolina, he decided to turn his fascination with brewing into what is still a home-based business. Crafted's stated values include an "anti-ego ethos" that promotes an attitude of humility and humor. The taproom is open Friday from 5 - 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon - 10 p.m. Bottle sales are also available weekdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
12157 State Route 690, Athens, OH 45701
Owners Paul and Cindy Freedman literally use the fruits of their 105-acre farm in creating the mead at Dutch Creek Winery. The couple keeps bees that produce the honey and grow apples, peaches, and pears that flavor the mead, cider, and fruit wines. After friends encouraged Paul and Cindy to sell their products commercially at retail outlets across the state, they decided to open a family-friendly tasting room with additional outdoor seating in the beautiful rural setting. Dutch Creek Winery is open on Friday from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon - 8 p.m.
1683 Lance Point Rd., Unit 108, Maumee, OH 43537
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You've probably heard of garage bands, so why not a garage meadery? That was the humble origin of Four Fires Meadery, as a group of friends gathered to experiment and support each other in their shared interest. Inspired by the original native tribes of Northwest Ohio and their Council of Three Fires, the friends modified the name to signify the fellowship of their group. Food trucks are on hand Friday and Saturday for some good eats. Taproom hours are 4 - 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 2 - 10 p.m. Saturday.
212 N. Main St., Hubbard, OH 44425
When you visit Woodland Cellars, chances are good that owners Nate and Dani Wilson will be the first ones to greet you. Their hands-on approach applies to everything from making mead based on a 700-year-old recipe to operating the tasting room. Mead serves as inspiration for menu items such as the Eye of Odin burger, prepared with a mead reduction and a mead mustard sauce. Woodland Cellars has become known for their Sunday brunches, which feature make-your-own breakfast pizza, omelette, breakfast sandwich, or waffle, along with bottomless mimosas. Hours are 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, 4 - 10 p.m. Thursday, 4 - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday.
In addition to food and beverage, honey has an amazing number of applications, ranging from hair conditioner to treatment for mosquito bites. Do you have a favorite use for honey?

New Year's resolutions like losing weight are so last century. In 2022, why not resolve to learn more about your community with the help of Cutler Homes and LoLo Gifts?
We've teamed up to provide a monthly series of free gifts spotlighting local small businesses. Whether you pick up croissants in Northeast Ohio, appetizers in Columbus, or coffee in Cincinnati, make a resolution to check out these fabulous merchants.
Akron: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Columbus: Smoked Gouda Mac 'N' Cheese Bites
Wooster: A Pulled Pork Sandwich
Cincinnati: A Sandwich or Bagel, and a Coffee
4866 Everhard Rd. NW, Canton, OH 44718
Who says you can't improve on perfection? Cupcakes are heavenly, but the gourmet flavors at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory will take your appreciation to a whole new level.
About Nom Nom Cupcake Factory
The baked treats at Nom Nom Cupcake Factory are so amazing that delighted customers use them as wedding cakes. Each week features a rotating selection of flavors such as Salted Caramel and Cinnamon Toast. As if that weren't enough, the bakery has upped their game by offering gourmet flavored popcorn.
Contact and Hours
330.705.2560
Monday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.
3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
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Yes, the blue-box mac 'n' cheese is classic comfort food. But get ready to enjoy the blissful sensation of biting into the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites from The Rail.
About The Rail
As a spinoff of Mike Mariola's City Square Steakhouse, it's no surprise that The Rail serves first-class burgers. Beef is 100 percent locally sourced, with several specialty burgers as well as extensive build-your-own options. The Rail is also known for their delicious four-cheese scratch-made mac 'n' cheese.
Contact and Hours
330.864.7245
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
109 W. Washington St., Medina, OH 44256
Candy apples aren't just for fall. Bite into one of these delicious sweet treats with your gift from Candyapple & Co.
About Candyapple & Co.
Appropriately, Candyapple & Co. is an "offshoot" of a landscaping company specializing in orchards. Their dipped apples go far beyond caramel and candy to encompass more than 100 flavors, including root beer float, carrot cake, and sparkling wine. Be sure to check out their boutique with jewelry, skincare products, and other great gift items.
Contact and Hours
330.635.0132
Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Bread is sometimes referred to as "the staff of life." You're sure to agree after you use your $10 to try one of the tasty loaves from Brimfield Bread Oven.
About Brimfield Bread Oven
Technology may be king, but Brimfield Bread Oven still believes in old-school techniques. At this European-style bakery, all products are made from scratch with top-quality ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven. Stop by on Saturday between 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and take home a traditional wood-fired pizza for dinner.
Contact and Hours
330.474.7800
Thursday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
5839 Frantz Rd., Dublin, OH 43016
Even chefs at five-star restaurants agree that everything tastes better fried. That goes for mac 'n' cheese, the granddaddy of comfort foods, especially when they're made with gourmet cheese like the smoked Gouda mac 'n' cheese bites at The Rail.
About The Rail
Over the past few years, the gourmet Angus beef burgers at The Rail have earned awards and recognition from local and national publications. One of the favorites is the Mojo, made with a blend of beef and andouille sausage and getting some added kick from a topping of jalapeño slaw. Cool things down with one of two dozen brands of Ohio craft beer on hand.
Contact and Hours
614.725.3200
Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
128 S. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691
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Sample some legendary Southern BBQ without leaving town. Make sure you have plenty of napkins ready when you get your pulled pork sandwich at Omahoma Bob's BBQ.
About Omahoma Bob's BBQ
Omahoma Bob's BBQ achieves their authentic Texas-style taste with a dry rub of spices and classic low-and-slow cooking in the smoker. Hot Italian sausages and German brats are also created in-house. Complete your meal with turnip greens, red beans and rice, hush puppies, and other traditional sides.
Contact and Hours
330.262.9871
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
9701 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, KY 45242
Marx Hot Bagels has been a Cincinnati favorite since 1969. With the first bite of your sandwich or bagel, you'll understand why.
About Marx Hot Bagels
Don't settle for those frozen grocery store bagels. Marx Hot Bagels serves more than 30 varieties, all baked fresh daily. They make a perfect canvas for egg salad, lox, hummus, or just a simple schmear of cream cheese. Change things up with some bagel bread, bagel pretzels, or bagel thins.
Contact and Hours
513.891.5542
Monday - Sunday: 6 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
3471 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44118
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Croissants are the superstars of baked goods, serving equally well as breakfast pastry and base for a savory sandwich. How will you enjoy your two croissants from On the Rise Artisan Breads?
About On the Rise Artisan Breads
At On the Rise Artisan Breads, baking is truly an art. The bakers start work each day before the sun rises, using simple but high-quality ingredients to create breads, rolls, pastries, cookies, and quiches. For a real treat, don't miss the daily specialty flavors such as raisin challah, eclairs, and chocolate cherry batard.
Contact and Hours
216.320.9923
Tuesday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Resolve to keep the fun going all year long. Just contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to get our monthly offering of freebies.

Cutler Realtors finished strong in 2021, helping so many buy or sell a home across Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. We seek to empower our real estate agents from start to finish so they can focus on providing the best possible customer service.
Each month we recognize those agents who have gone above and beyond to meet and exceed their goals. We congratulate the following Realtors and groups for providing the superior customer service people have come to expect from Cutler Real Estate. Join us in celebrating the top producers, production leaders, and listing leaders for December 2021.

Who says outdoor dining is only for summer? Taking a cue from Alaska and other chilly climates, several restaurants around Northeast Ohio feature warm, cozy igloos to keep the fun going all winter long. Head out to one of these great locations with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.
116 Main St., Bellville, OH 44813
While the family-owned Wishmaker House dates back to the late 1800s, the seven igloos add a welcome contemporary touch. Each is individually heated and decorated in a different theme inspired by local treasures, such as parks and farms. You won't want the evening to end, and at Wishmaker House, it doesn't have to! The main house is a charming bed and breakfast with rooms that bear inviting names such as "Starry Night" and "Velvet Rain." Wishmaker House is also one of the stops on the popular Wine and Ale Trail.
18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
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Thanks to the heated igloos, the award-winning outdoor patio at Georgetown | Vosh can be experienced all year long. Each level of the patio also features a fire pit for extra coziness. Choose from elegant table dining or a more casual setting with couches and a coffee table. Georgetown | Vosh serves upscale American cuisine with small plates and entrées such as Maine lobster pizza and short ribs. The five igloos seat up to eight people each for two hours with a rental fee of $45. Two seatings are available Monday through Thursday, and three seatings Friday and Saturday.
2207 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Watching the big game from a toasty-warm igloo at The South Side is better than being there. Lounge igloos, which seat up to eight people, include TVs along with couches, chairs, and a coffee table for a relaxing ambiance. Dining igloos accommodate up to six guests with a formal table and chairs. Bottle service, beer buckets, and food specials are available as well as regular menus. Igloos can be reserved for two-hour periods with no minimums or rental fees. There is a $50 deposit on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday that is applied to the final bill. Hours are 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - midnight Friday, 10 a.m. - midnight Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday.
100 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland, OH 44114
You'll feel on top of the world, literally and figuratively, sitting in one of the igloos at Bar 32. Located on the 32nd floor of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, Bar 32 boasts the best views of the city any time of the year. Heated rooftop igloos add a breathtaking new dimension to the panoramic scenery. Enjoy one of Bar 32's signature cocktails while sharing fresh oysters, Margherita flatbread, and other tasty items from the small plates menu. Both igloos seat up to eight people and come with Bluetooth speakers so you can stream your favorite playlist. Two-hour reservations include a $50 booking fee that goes toward the final bill. Minimum charges apply Thursday through Saturday. Hours are 5 p.m. - midnight Wednesday and Thursday and 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
16900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
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Northeast Ohio has embraced the red-hot food truck trend, which offers a convenient way to try some surprisingly high-quality and inventive cuisines. Lakewood Truck Park is a 12,000 square-foot dining area with two bars and a rotating assortment of food trucks. The lineup showcases local favorites such as Original Steaks and Hoagies, Samurai Dynasty, and Smoke This BBQ. Fire pits keep the patio warm, and the park also has several heated igloos available for reservations. Lakewood Truck Park is open daily from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday, when closing time is midnight.
Lakefront Reservation, 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
Located in the iconic Flats neighborhood of Cleveland, Merwin's Wharf is a beloved part of the city's history. Noble H. Merwin was one of the more successful merchants during Cleveland's early days, whose holdings included a tavern, packing and slaughterhouse, and warehouse. Today, eight-person igloos at Merwin's Wharf offer beautiful views of the Cuyahoga River along with a menu of small plates, desserts, and specialty cocktails. Rental fees are $50 for two hours with a minimum charge of $150. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. daily.
1 Club Dr., Highland Heights, OH 44143
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Temperatures may be a little too frosty for nine holes, but heated igloos at The Rustic Grill at StoneWater Golf Club keep the dining action going strong. Turn a winter weekend into a special occasion with an outdoor Sunday brunch, with seatings at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dinner seatings are available nightly at 5:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m., while two-hour lunch reservations can be made between 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. There is no rental fee for the igloos, but there is a minimum charge of $100 for dinner on Friday and Saturday.
2448 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
The herb gardens are just one reason that The Fairmount was voted as "Best Patio" by Cleveland Magazine. Come winter, the restaurant ups their outdoor game to another level when the patio is transformed into an igloo village. The Fairmount is committed to freshness in both food and beverages, from the housemade ginger beer in the Moscow Mule to a selection of vegan dishes such as cauliflower rice bowl and pecan tart. There is no rental fee for the igloos, and the only requirement is a four-person minimum. Hours are 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. daily.
When you want to warm up fast, what's your go-to beverage of choice?

When the snow flies in Ohio, the fun has just begun! With opportunities for skiing, ice skating, winter hiking, and countless other activities, it's the perfect season to enjoy the outdoors in Ohio. Be sure to check out these nine amazing outdoor destinations in Ohio this winter.
16200 Valley Pkwy., Strongsville, OH 44136
Tobogganing at the Chalet at Mill Stream Run Reservation is a winter tradition in Northeast Ohio. With its two 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes, Mill Stream Run offers the thrill of a fast-paced toboggan ride all winter long, with or without snow. Just be sure to hold on tight—once you start moving, you're likely to top 50 miles per hour before you reach the bottom! You can always warm up in the Chalet or slow down and explore the park's snowshoe and cross-country ski trails while you're there. Mill Stream Run Reservation is operated by Cleveland Metro Parks and is just 20 minutes from the city.
10620 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
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One of Ohio's top skiing destinations, Alpine Valley Ski Resort is nestled among the rolling hills of Northeast Ohio, less than 40 minutes from Cleveland. Their varied terrain includes gentle slopes that are great for beginners, as well as some more advanced slopes for seasoned skiers. Alpine Valley Ski Resort also offers equipment rentals and hands-on skiing courses with skilled instructors to help new skiers learn the ropes. If you get a little hungry between runs, stop in at the on-site restaurant for a bite, or warm up with a beverage at the Snow Belt Saloon.
5793 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
Endless winter adventures await at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This wild 32,500-acre playground in Northeast Ohio includes 125 miles of hiking trails open year-round. The 19.7-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers thanks to its smooth grade, while the rugged Ledges Trail meanders among large rock formations that become encrusted in icicles every winter. Cuyahoga Valley National Park also offers some great opportunities for snow tubing and sledding, especially in the Kendall Hills section.
4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
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Blendon Woods Metro Park is one of the best places in Columbus to get away from city life for a while and experience nature. This 653-acre park includes a waterfowl refuge and nature center, with an elevated platform overlooking Thoreau Lake that's a popular year-round spot for bird watching. Blendon Woods Metro Park also includes several trails that are perfect for a winter hike. The 2-mile Sugarbush Trail is especially popular among cross-country skiers. Best of all, the park has a shallow, man-made pond that freezes over in winter to form a natural ice skating rink.
2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH 43046
A mere 30 minutes from Columbus, Buckeye Lake is one of the great winter destinations in Central Ohio. When the 3,100-acre lake freezes over in winter, it's one of Ohio's best ice fishing spots, thanks to its abundant populations of saugeye, panfish, and bass. Stop in one of the gear shops or cafes around the lake to warm up, and be sure to visit on January 22, 2022, for Winterfest. This annual event includes food and drink, live music, and various events around the lake, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show. Buckeye Lake is accessible for fishing through Buckeye Lake State Park, including a 4-mile shoreline path that connects the North Shore to Lieb's Island.
1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesville, OH 43360
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Central Ohio's premier ski and snowboard destination, Mad River Mountain is located just an hour from Columbus in the rolling hills of Zanesville. Skiing is available December through March most years on the 1,460-foot mountain, with a vertical drop of 300 feet. Mad River Mountain offers challenging runs for experienced skiers, as well as a learning area with easier terrain for beginners. There's even a tubing area that kids can enjoy while the grown-ups ski and a bar and grill in the lodge that serves up tasty drinks and pub grub.
3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden opened in 1875, making it the second-oldest zoo in the United States. It's one of the absolute must-visit attractions in the Cincinnati area, no matter the season. In winter, visitors have some particularly special events to look forward to, including the spectacular PNC Festival of Lights. Visit on a winter weekend for Penguin Days, an annual event that includes discounted admission and a chance to meet the zoo's resident penguins up close and in person. Penguin Days goes from January 10 to March 11.
520 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Fountain Square is at the center of Downtown Cincinnati. Every year from November through February, the square is overtaken by a massive outdoor ice rink open to public skating. A 90-minute ice skating session including skate rentals is just $10, and kids 4 and under can skate for free. The rink also includes a separate area for ice bumper cars, which are a heck of a lot of fun. Visit after dark to see Fountain Square lit up in holiday lights, and be sure to check out some of the shops and eateries that are just footsteps away. It's a perfect place for a romantic winter night out in Cincinnati.
1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013
An outdoor sculpture gallery spanning more than 300 acres, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is a unique place in any season. But it's a particularly magical place in winter, when the trees, trails, and more than 70 sculptures are dusted with snow. Every year, the park also hosts a spectacular holiday lights display. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is located in the community of Hamilton, less than 30 minutes from Downtown Cincinnati.
Where will you be spending your time outdoors in Ohio this winter?